flashlight batteries

[steveno]

I have a Surefire 6P and have always used the Surefire batteries. I just used up the last of my supply and found out the that the local store I used to buy them out isn't carrying them anymore. so before I order some through the mail and pay the extra money , are they worth the extra money over batteries made by Duracell and Everready?

 

[Lee in Quartzsite]

I would guess that Surefire has their batteries made by one of the major battery manufacturers and puts their name on them...doubt that they have their own factory. I buy mine from Amazon or Midway when they are on sale. The last ones I bought were Duracells and they work just fine. Amazon does carry the Surefire batteries.

 

[Broker50]

IMHO, no, they are not. There are several sources online that sell perfectly usable CR123s for about a buck apiece. eBay is another good source.

 

[Robotech]

As Lee suggests, they're having another manufacturer make them with their label. They simply have to meet their "specifications", whatever they are.

The battery type and chemistry you want will depend on your actual usage. A ten-year shelf-life is pointless if you are using the flashlight regularly, and you're wasting money on a premium battery. But, if it's something you might use briefly once or twice a year, a long shelf-life is a good thing. (Just be sure to check it occasionally.)

Then there is the question of how long you need to use it each time, and the load. A flashlight has a different load than a camera or another piece of electronics.

The point is, any other battery of the same form-factor "will work", but may not be optimal for your particular usage. If you're going through them fast enough to have already bought replacements a few times, I suggest trying other cheaper name-brands.

(I used to sell batteries, as part of my job, and later worked on advanced battery development. )

 

[cass]

I have a Surefire 6P and have always used the Surefire batteries. I just used up the last of my supply and found out the that the local store I used to buy them out isn't carrying them anymore. so before I order some through the mail and pay the extra money , are they worth the extra money over batteries made by Duracell and Everready?

I'm finding the CR123 batteries at more stores than I used to. Lowes is my source, but all the sports stores carry them. If I saw a Duracell CR123, I'd sure try them. As for flachlites, the Surefire is great, and I especially am impressed with the new LED Maglites - batteries last FOREVER, and so much brighter than the old bulb type.

 

[steveno]

when I bought this 6P flashlight it has been a long time ago when Surefire was basically the only game in town. I thought it was crazy to spend $60 on a flashlight. now Surefire wants over 3 times that much just for the LED version. personally I don't think that just to get LED is worth that much extra money.

 

[Straightshooter2]

now Surefire wants over 3 times that much just for the LED version. personally I don't think that just to get LED is worth that much extra money.

I have a Surefire 9p and I replaced the bulb and reflector with a Cree LED bulb I bought off that evil bay site. You can generally find them on there for anywhere from $8-12. Sure makes my batteries last a lot longer and gives you a brighter LED light for a lot less money.

CW

 

[tomf52]

Battery Bob andf other such online sittes have just about any battery at ridculously low prices and really cheap shipping. Get all mine there. Google CR123 and it will open many doors for you.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

I have been buying my Surefire CR123's at Lowe's for less than anyone else local is selling them for. Champion Shooters Supply is my local gun store, Carl has a Chinese knockoff that works as well or better for less. In Central Ohio, Duracell and Energizer photo CR123's are about double Surefire brand. Ivan

 

[cowart]

If you're going through a lot of batteries, you might want to consider switching to rechargeables. They're not all that expensive. See

SureFire Battery Charger for LFP123 Batteries

 

[eyegots2no]

I once learned somewhere that Panasonic was making the Surefire batteries---as well as Ray-O-Vac's and Streamlights and they have different factories throughout the world.

 

[rwsmith]

Duracell

I'm disappointed when my wife buys anything except Duracell. She says, "They were cheaper." And I say, "They don't last anywhere near as long."

MAYBE with new technologies some batteries have caught up with Duracell but when I go to the store, that's all I look for. The other companies will have to prove theirs.

 

[Maze 686]

I use a Blackhawk Gladius for work and just ordered a 12 pack of Surefires for $21.95.
If I go to Wallyworld they are around $9 for two.

I ordered from LA Police Gear. Amazon has good deals on them though.

 

[rwsmith]

I hope they are better now

If you're going through a lot of batteries, you might want to consider switching to rechargeables. They're not all that expensive. See

SureFire Battery Charger for LFP123 Batteries

I'm SURE rechargables have to be better than they were but I got really sick of them many years ago not taking a charge or saying they were charged and conking out in a few minutes of using them. If you had one bad one in a set of four it would mess up the whole works. The just HAVE to have improved them a lot since then.

 

[Squarebutt]

Last pair I bought were Surefire brand at Lowe's, two for $5. I should buy another box online, as they last for years on the shelf.

 

[Calaveras Slim]

I have a Cabelas brand surefire using the CR123 batteries. I tried the rechargeable batteries from eBay and blew some bulbs. Found out they were 3.6 volt and my flash was 3.0 Hard to find the 3.0 rechargeable batteries.

 

[J. W.]

I'm using Energizer in my Surefire lights without issue. They seem to perform just as well as the Surefire brand batteries. I really like these because they are provided for free by my department's property and evidence section!

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I always bought Maglites, now I cannot change the batteries, end of a longterm customer.

 

[NE450No2]

If you're going through a lot of batteries, you might want to consider switching to rechargeables. They're not all that expensive. See

SureFire Battery Charger for LFP123 Batteries

I have been using one of those chargers and four batteries for about a year.

In short, they are great. I use my SF headlight and my E1L Outdoorsman nightly here at my place in the country. They save a lot of money.

I also use them at the deer lease.

Recently I was gone for a month and a half, and left the four batteries at home, fully charged.

When I got back near as I can tell all four batteries still contained a full charge.

The kit comes with a 110 volt and a vehicle 12 volt charger.

It will pay for itself in short order if you use a lot of 123 batteries.

 

[steveno]

at one time I had thought that Surefire said to only use their batteries in their flashlights but I found this on their website in their flashlights to be used with their batteries.


To ensure the safety and optimal performance of your SureFire product, use only 123A disposable lithium batteries purchased directly from SureFire or an authorized SureFire distributor, or from established, well-known manufacturers, such as Panasonic®, Energizer®, or Duracell®. These brands are registered trademarks of their respective companies. NEVER use counterfeit or inferior-quality 123A lithium batteries in SureFire products. See Counterfeit / Inferior-Quality Battery Warning.